Mouth-opening measuring device

Abstract

A mouth-opening measuring device includes a first end and an opposing second end. The width of the first end is less than the width of the second end such that the different widths on the first and second ends provide for different mouth opening abilities of an individual when either the first end or the second end is inserted into an individual's mouth.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for measuring a mouth opening between an upper jaw and a lower jaw, the device comprising:
 a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end exhibits a width that is less than a width of the second end; 
 a plurality of engagement members, each configured to be engaged with a tooth on the upper jaw and/or a tooth on the lower jaw, wherein each of the engagement members includes an inner surface and an outer surface; 
 a measuring surface positioned between and connected with first and second engagement members, wherein the measuring surface includes a plurality of measurement values; and 
 a plurality of tactile feel regions disposed along the outer surfaces of each of the engagement members, wherein the tactile feel regions are adjacent to and associated with corresponding measurement values on the measuring surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tactile feel regions comprises notches on the outer surfaces of each of the engagement members. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tactile feel regions comprises raised portions on the outer surfaces of each of the engagement members. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second engagement members exhibit a substantially truncated V-like geometry including a truncated portion at the first end of the device. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second engagement members angle away from one another from the first end of the device. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 4 , further comprising third and fourth engagement members that exhibit a substantially truncated V-like geometry including a truncated portion at the second end of the device. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the third and fourth engagement members angle away from one another from the second end of the device. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , wherein the device includes a middle from which first and second radially extending members extend. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second radially extending members are substantially perpendicular to the first, second, third and fourth engagement members.